Virtual Group-Based Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Celina H Shiraizipour, Ph.D.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Must not be taking: AR-targeted therapies

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Metastatic disease, Neuropathy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if online group physical activities can benefit young adults who have survived cancer. Participants will use an app called BurnAlong to join a 12-week exercise program and engage with others on a social media discussion board. The program targets individuals who had cancer between ages 15 and 39, completed treatment at least three months ago, and are not currently exercising regularly. Participants need access to a computer or smartphone and an internet connection.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers and improve health through innovative online exercise programs.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, long-term hormonal or biologic treatments are allowed, except for certain prostate cancer therapies.

What prior data suggests that this virtual group-based physical activity is safe for cancer survivors?

Research has shown that virtual group-based physical activity is safe for cancer survivors. Studies indicate that these programs are not only feasible and well-received but can also increase physical activity and improve physical function. One study found that exercising through telehealth significantly boosted fitness levels. Another study observed improvements in physical function after a 12-week remote exercise program. These findings suggest that virtual exercise programs, such as those using the BurnAlong app, are well-tolerated and provide health benefits without significant risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Virtual Group-Based Physical Activity program for cancer survivors because it offers a unique approach to rehabilitation. Unlike traditional in-person exercise programs, this treatment is delivered virtually through the BurnAlong app, making it accessible to participants regardless of their location. This method includes not just exercise routines but also live sessions with an exercise physiologist and a discussion board to foster community support. The combination of convenience, professional guidance, and peer interaction aims to enhance physical and mental well-being, which could be particularly beneficial for cancer survivors looking to regain strength and improve their quality of life.

What evidence suggests that virtual group-based physical activity is effective for cancer survivors?

Research has shown that online group exercise can benefit cancer survivors. Studies have found these programs to be feasible and effective in increasing activity levels. Regular exercise through online sessions has been linked to fewer cancer-related side effects, such as fatigue. In this trial, participants will engage in a 12-week virtual physical activity program delivered by the BurnAlong app, participate in a discussion board, and join live physical activity sessions with an exercise physiologist. These findings suggest that virtual exercise sessions might help cancer survivors improve their physical health. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Susan Whiteway, LtCol USAF, MD

Principal Investigator

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Celina H Shirazipour, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adult cancer survivors aged 18-39 who have finished treatment at least 3 months ago, are not currently very active, and can use internet-connected devices. It's not for those with severe hearing or vision loss, pregnant individuals, or anyone planning to undergo major cancer treatments within the next three months.

Inclusion Criteria

You are not currently exercising enough based on a questionnaire about leisure-time physical activity.

You were diagnosed with any type of cancer when you were between 15 and 39 years old.

Written informed consent obtained from subject and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study

Exclusion Criteria

You have difficulty hearing or seeing, which would make it hard for you to use the app. Using hearing aids or visual aids is allowed.

Currently pregnant, based on self-report

Patients with active treatment planned within the next 3 months. (Active treatment includes chemotherapy, biologic therapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and any combination.) Long-term hormonal/biologic treatments are acceptable except for AR-targeted therapies for prostate cancer. Participants with known metastatic disease, grade 3 or higher neuropathy, major surgery within 3 months of baseline visit, pregnancy of childbearing potential will be excluded.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 12-week virtual physical activity program via BurnAlong, including group discussions and live sessions with an exercise physiologist

12 weeks

Weekly virtual sessions, monthly live sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including surveys and physical assessments

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Social Media Discussion Board
• Virtual group based physical activity (BurnAlong)

Trial Overview The study tests a virtual group exercise program called BurnAlong and a social media discussion board to see if they're doable for these survivors. All participants will try out the online fitness classes and join discussions over about three months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual Group-Based Physical Activity (BurnAlong) and Discussion Board Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be asked to complete a 12 week virtual physical activity program delivered by the BurnAlong app, participate in a discussion board, and engage in live physical activity sessions with an exercise physiologist.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

523

Recruited

165,000+

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials

149

Recruited

33,800+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10653091/

A Group-Based, Videoconference-Delivered Physical ... A group-based PA program delivered using videoconference technology is feasible and acceptable for cancer survivors, and may increase PA and improve physical ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12296796/

Evaluation of a community-based remotely delivered ... A shorter program duration was selected for metastatic cancer survivors to decrease the likelihood of dropout [23]. The exercise program was ...

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-024-83846-x

Telemedicine-based exercise intervention in cancer survivors Numerous randomized controlled trials have shown that regular exercise can reduce cancer- and treatment-related side effects such as fatigue, ...

4. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11764-025-01845-x

Effects of live-remote exercise on quality of life and other ... A 12-week live-remote exercise intervention did not lead to improvements in overall HRQoL; however, it did result in significant benefits in physical function, ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06270628

Study Details | NCT06270628 | Personalized Live-remote ... The main goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a personalized, live-remote exercise intervention for cancer survivors on quality of life and the ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11100177/

Effect of exercise-based cancer rehabilitation via telehealth Meta-analysis indicated that telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = 0.34, 95% ...

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06206863

Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention for ... In this study, researchers have partnered with the YMCA to provide tailored home-based exercise programs for underserved cancer patients and survivors.

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6694/17/15/2432

A Comparison of In-Person and Telehealth ... This study compared the effectiveness of a personalized 12-week exercise program delivered in-person versus via telehealth among cancer survivors ...